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Laptop Fire Safety

Posted Tue, 12/30/2014 - 18:31

Updated January 22, 2015

Steps You Can Take To Prevent a Laptop Fire

Some laptops (Mac/ PC) don’t have vents because of the Solid State Drive. The lithium battery is the only fire hazard. Periodically check your computer’s battery against the most current battery recall list Also check CPSC

Some laptops (Mac/ PC) have air vents that allow heated air to exit. Make sure the vents are not blocked. The vents may be in the back, may be on the side, or on the bottom.

Many fires have occurred while using or charging the laptop because the air intakes and/or vents are blocked with blankets, pillows, etc. The laptops have been on beds, couches, cluttered desks, carpet/rugs, etc.

Safely use/charge any type of laptop on a hard flat surface like a table or desk to allow for optimal radiation of heat.

Power cords

If the computer power cord is overheating or is damaged, unplug the power cord immediately and replace the cord as soon as possible!

HP and Lenovo recalls: Check if your AC power cord is being recalled due to fire hazards.

Chargers

Use the charger that came with your laptop. Also check if it is one of the many that have been recalled CPSC

Battery damage

If the battery is damaged or is bulging, this increases the risk of a fire during charging. Contact your vendor ASAP.

In case of fire

First call 617-253-1212 to report the fire. If it is safe, do the following

unplug the laptop if it is charging

move the laptop away from people and things that can burn (clear counter, tile floor)